Episode 16: Staying Curious, Staying Connected with Sherri Cawn and Cindy Harrison

In celebration of Speech-Language-Hearing Month, guest host Sherri Cawn sits down with longtime colleague and friend Cindy Harrison for a thoughtful conversation about communication, relationships, and the evolution of developmental practice. Together, they reflect on decades of experience as speech-language pathologists, early pioneers in the DIR Model movement, and advocates for relationship-based care. Cindy shares her perspective as both a clinician and parent of an autistic son, speaking candidly about what communication truly means beyond words — the ability to express hopes, fears, identity, and connection. The conversation explores the importance of family-centered practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, emotional development, and assuming competence in every child. Sherri and Cindy also reflect on how the field has changed over the years, the role of mentorship and lifelong learning, and the importance of creating systems of care where families feel seen, safe, and supported. This warm and deeply personal episode is a reminder that communication always happens within the context of relationships and that staying curious and connected remains at the heart of meaningful practice.